Clay cannot withstand sudden, drastic changes in temperature. Never place a hot vessel on a cold surface, never pour cold water into a hot pot, and never move from oven to refrigerator directly.

Terracotta is ceramic — it will crack or break if dropped. Handle with care, store away from high-traffic areas, and always place on a flat, stable surface.

Unglazed clay is porous. It absorbs liquids, odors, and soaps. Avoid strongly acidic preparations (tomatoes, citrus) in a new, unsealed vessel, and never use soaps without thorough rinsing.

Traditional Mexican glazed ceramics sometimes used lead-based glazes. Our unglazed and engobe pieces contain no glaze of any kind — no lead risk. All Zenit Materia pieces are tested and certified food-safe.

"Our clay is pure. No glaze, no chemicals, no compromise."

Every new clay vessel must be seasoned before first use. Submerge in clean water for 12 hours. Rub with a cut garlic clove. Heat on very low heat for 30 minutes. Let cool. Repeat once.

Because each piece is hand-formed and wood-fired, no two vessels are identical. Slight variations in color, texture, and shape are not defects — they are the signatures of the artisan's hands and the kiln's fire.

"The imperfection is the proof that a human made it."